Garment cases

ABSTRACT

A packaging case for folded garments such as shirts and a garment frame for securing garments so that the garment may be stored and/or used in conjunction with a packaging case in a configuration such that the garment sustains minimal creasing. The frame when used for shirts allows the shirt to be attached to the frame at the collar. The frame has a hinge that defines a curved transition between the frame panels to minimize creasing of the shirt when folded in the frame.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to cases for packaging garments,particularly shirts.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is difficult to avoid crushing or creasing shirts, especiallyin the collar region, when packaged in modern flexible luggage, ortightly packed briefcases, or in other circumstances where there is noprotection against compression. Also, when shirts are loosely packed itis difficult to avoid collapsing and creasing especially when carriedvertically.

[0003] This is particularly, although not exclusively, a problem for thebusiness traveller who needs to have one or more changes of clothingready for wear in fresh condition but who only has limited or crampedluggage space.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a case in whicha garment or garments can be conveniently packaged, so as to bemaintained in fresh condition during transport or storage.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention therefore there isprovided a packaging case for a garment or garments comprising an outerbag structure defining an openable storage container having top andbottom walls thereto, and a reinforcing structure providing transverserigidity between said walls, characterised in that this rigidity isrestricted to, or extends over a greater height between the walls, atone end region of the storage container relative to an opposite endthereof.

[0006] With this arrangement, in effect the packaging case has ‘stepped’rigidity suited to protected packaging of a folded shirt with the collarlocated at the said one end region and the remainder of the shirtextending towards the opposite end region.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention therefore there isprovided a method of packaging a shirt using a case as described abovewherein the shirt is folded and inserted into the case with the collarof the shirt at the said one end region and the remainder of the shirtextending towards the opposite end region.

[0008] The use of stepped rigidity facilitates stacking of two cases oneturned over and rotated through 180° relative to the other so that thetop walls of the two cases confront and contact each other with the saidone end region of each against the said other end region of the other.

[0009] Two or more cases, containing different changes of clothing, cantherefore be conveniently packed in a brief-case, of other luggage sothat multiple fresh changes of clothing can be carried.

[0010] Provision may be made for releasably interconnecting such stackedcases. Also if desired provision may be made for releasablyinterconnecting cases side by side or otherwise.

[0011] With regard to the outer bag structure this is preferably steppedor inclined correspondingly to the above mentioned stepped rigidity i.e.so as to be of a greater height at said one end region relative to saidopposite end. In one embodiment, the bottom wall may be arranged to bewholly or mainly flat whereas the top wall may be arranged to have twoseparate flat portions, corresponding respectively to the said endregions, with an inclined joining portion therebetween. The top andbottom walls may be linked by edge walls around the entire periphery, orat least a major portion of the periphery, and these may be of differentheights at opposite ends, and of stepped height along the sides, inconformity with the stepped configuration. Instead of this three-partstepped top wall it is possible to use a single, or two-part inclinedtop wall.

[0012] Instead of an overall stepped or inclined bag structure it ispossible to have a bag structure which has a stepped or inclinedcompartment. For example the bag may be rectangular with an inset uppercompartment at the said other end region leaving a stepped or inclinedcompartment in the remainder of the bag structure. Indeed, the term bagstructure as used herein is intended to cover rigid or self supportingbox containers as well as bags of a flexible or partly flexible or softnature.

[0013] The bag structure may be formed from flexible material such astextile fabric and/or plastics sheeting and/or leather and this may beappropriately cut and seamed or moulded to form the desired shape. A zipfastener, or VELCRO fastener or any other suitable fastener may beprovided along an openable flap or mouth to provide access to theinterior of the bag structure. Stiff, semi-stiff or rigid materials canalso be used as also can other fasteners such as studs or snapfasteners.

[0014] The reinforcing structure may additionally provide rigidity otherthan in the said transverse direction to effect, or assist, maintenanceof the desired overall shape of the bag structure. Thus, the reinforcingstructure may include a planar portion extending over the inner surfaceof the bottom wall of the bag structure.

[0015] With regard to the reinforcing structure, this may comprise oneor more rigid parts formed integrally with or comprising an integralpart of, and/or separate to and located within the bag structure. Theterm ‘rigidity’ is intended to cover parts having sufficient rigidity orstiffness to provide substantial resistance to crushing of a shirt andespecially a shirt collar under compression normally encountered inpacking and handling of luggage. Thus, semi-rigid parts from materialssuch as card, self-supporting resiliently deflectable plastics sheeting,and the like can be used.

[0016] The reinforcing structure may comprise rigid transverse edgewalls, i.e. edge walls extending in the transverse (upright) directionbetween the top and bottom walls and which are inherently rigid or whichhave rigid frames applied thereto.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing structurepreferably comprises a flat back part which overlies the inner surfaceof the bottom wall of the bag structure and an integral upstanding tabsection at one end which extends within the said one end region of thebag structure. Preferably also, this structure is removable from the bagstructure so that it can be used as a shirt frame around which a shirtcan be folded with the shirt collar engaged with the tab section.

[0018] The shirt frame may have great rigidity in a transverse directionbetween the side edge walls parallel to the top and bottom walls, and inthis case the side edge walls of the bag may be partly or fully flexiblein such transverse parallel direction.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment there is provided a collarreinforcement, preferably adapted to provide or contribute to thetransverse rigidity at the said one end region, and which is arranged tofit around the periphery of a shirt collar to hold the collar in shape,particularly by fitting within the collar. This may take the form of agenerally triangular or oval or circular frame which is preferably ofadjustable size, e.g. by expansion of one side, to correspond todifferent collar sizes.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment this collar former is madefrom a strip which can be folded and retained in shape byinterconnection of its ends at a position selected from a range ofpositions e.g. by engagement of a snap fit fastener, such as a stud, orcut-outs with a selected one of a row of cooperable members.

[0021] Additionally, there may be a separate front collar support tabthat is either integral to the one piece collar reinforcement or isseparately attached to it by means of one or more studs or otherfasteners. This collar support can fit under the front wings of thecollar with a middle tab section that rises between these wings andfolds back on itself into the inside of the collar where it is fastenedonto the collar reinforcement.

[0022] Preferably also there is provided a supplementary container forsmall garments, such as underwear, locatable within the bag structure,and conveniently this may be shaped and dimensioned to fit within thecollar of a shirt. Thus, for example, the container may comprise agenerally triangular or curved or oval bag which can fit within a shirtcollar when the collar is supported by the above mentioned generallytriangular or curved or oval frame, and preferably incorporatesinternally such frame. In this case such a fastener may cover only say70% of the bag circumference so allowing the bag to be squeezed intosmaller collar sizes. This bag may have a closeable opening, e.g. azipped mouth or flap or the like.

[0023] The case may also incorporate other garment storage or retainingdevices. For example an elasticated strap or a retaining flap withappropriate slots or a further pocket with or without a zipped closuremay be attached to an inner surface of the bag structure, or to a partof the reinforcing structure, so that cuff links or other personalvaluables or toiletries can be securely retained by the structure.

[0024] One embodiment of the invention is characterised by the provisionof a supplementary storage compartment, said compartment being arrangedat the said opposite end region of the case. Preferably, thesupplementary storage compartment is detachably mounted externally onthe top wall of the case. It may also be incorporated detachably orintegrally internally.

[0025] As mentioned above, the packaging case preferably incorporates ashirt frame.

[0026] Thus, and in accordance with a further aspect of the presentinvention there is provided a frame, particularly although notexclusively for use in performing the above described method, said framecomprising first and second flat panels joined by a hinge whereby thepanels can be bent or pivoted about the hinge to lie one on top of theother with an article folded around the panels, characterised in thatthe hinge is arranged to bend or pivot to form a curved transitionbetween the panels. In this way creasing can be avoided as the articleis folded over the hinge. The article is preferably a shirt but may beanother garment or textile article or the like.

[0027] Preferably the hinge is defined by a strip with multiple side byside lines of weakness. Preferably also, the panels and the strip areformed integrally in one piece. An upstanding tab may be provided at atop end of a top one of the panels for engagement with the shirt collar.

[0028] Although particularly suited for the packaging case of thepresent invention, the shirt frame may also be used in any othersuitable packaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention will now be described further by way of exampleonly and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one form of a caseaccording to the invention;

[0031]FIG. 2 is a side view showing two cases stacked one on top of theother.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an internal shirtframe in folded condition;

[0033]FIG. 4 is an opened out plan view of an internal collar former;

[0034]FIG. 5 is a top view showing an alternative form of collar formerin assembled condition;

[0035]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an alternative collar bag.

[0036]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a case with an additionaltoiletries container;

[0037]FIGS. 8 & 9 are perspective views of alternative caseconstructions; and

[0038]FIG. 10-12 shows assemblies of multiple cases.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0039] Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a case forpackaging a shirt and small additional garments (such as socks andunderpants) suitable for an overnight change of clothing for a businesstraveller.

[0040] The case is of stepped formation and has an outer bag structure 1made from soft flexible fabric or plastics or leather sheeting whichprovides a flat rectangular bottom wall 2, a top wall 3 having two flatrectangular parts 4, 5 at different heights linked by an inclinedintermediate strip 6, two strip shaped end wails 7, 8 of differentheights, and two like stepped side walls 9.

[0041] There is a zip 10 around three sides of the upper top part 4 soas to define an openable flap to provide access to the interior of thebag 1.

[0042] The various walls 4-9 may be formed by one or two or more sheetsappropriately folded and joined at edges. The sheets may be whollyflexible. Alternatively, if desired the side walls 7-9 (or some of them)may be formed from (or may incorporate) rigid or semi-rigid sheetmaterial such as cardboard or moulded plastics to retain the steppedshape of the case.

[0043] Within the bag structure 1 there is a shirt frame 11, as shown inFIG. 3 which has a generally rectangular flat back panel 12 with anupstanding tab section 13 at one end. This frame is a rigid, orsemi-rigid structure formed from e.g. moulded plastics.

[0044] A shirt can be folded around the back part 12 with the collarengaged with the tab section 13.

[0045] The frame 11 is dimensioned so that the back part 12 overlies andis of similar size to (but slightly smaller than) the inner surface ofthe bottom wall 2 of the outer bag structure 1 with the tab section 13projecting upwardly adjacent the end of the bag structure 1 beneath thehigher top part 4.

[0046] Preferably, although not essentially, and as shown in FIG. 3 ofthe drawings, the shirt frame has an extra back hinged section in theform of a flat panel 14 that will allow easier folding of the shirtalong a greater length. Also greater rigidity can be attained and foldedsocks or other flat articles can be accommodated between the two foldedpanels 12, 14. All edges and particularly the outer edges of the hingesection are radiussed to avoid shirt creasing. In particular the hingejoint is defined by multiple side by side parallel crease lines orgrooves or other lines of weakness in a strip 15 joining the top andbottom flat panels 12, 14, such panels 12, 14, the strip 15 and the tab13 being formed in one piece.

[0047] The folding shirt frame, may have an elastic strap connectablebetween folding top flaps (at top corners of the top panel) with a stud(or other) fastener to secure the shirt to the frame in an easy to packform. Also the shirt frame back may have an elasticated strap (notshown) fastened across its lower surface for retaining a pair of socksor other small garments.

[0048] As stated in order to minimise creasing, the hinge joint ispreferably formed from multiple creases or hinge lines which form, orapproximate to, a curved bend when the frame panels are folded over.

[0049] The frame may be made from polypropylene sheeting which is cutand creased in one operation. It may also be made in any other mannerfrom any other material such as plastics, wood, light metal such asaluminium, and with the hinge formed integrally or being a separateattached structure such as bonded fabric or other material. Weight maybe saved in this frame by moulding to produce a lattice so giving ahoney-comb effect. Moulding can also enable points on which to mountretainers for socks to be created as outlined in the originalapplication.

[0050] The upstanding collar tab may be formed by creasing as well asmoulding. It does not have to be rigidly at 90° to the main body of theframe.

[0051] The rolling hinge is used to prevent the creation of transversecreases across the shirt front after the shirt on its frame has beenfolded back on itself causing the shirt to be pulled tightly against therolling hinge.

[0052] Further such rolling hinge has the function of separating the twoflat panels when folded over allowing space for the shirt folded at therear to be accommodated along with personal items of clothing such assocks, a tie, silk scarf, underclothes, handkerchief etc.

[0053] The panels and the joining strip of the shirt frame may be formedin two pieces including the lower flat surfaces together with therolling hinge which may as required be attached to the upper panelhaving the collar locating tab.

[0054]FIG. 4, shows a collar former 17 which is fitted within the shirtcollar to retain its shape. This is formed from a strip of semi-rigid(springy) moulded plastics which is bent around into a generallytriangular shape, the ends of the strip being held together by snap-fitengagement with a male stud 18 on one end with a female stud 19 selectedfrom a row of such studs at the other end. By selection of the femalestud 19, the size of the collar former can be adjusted to suit thecollar size.

[0055] This collar former 17 comprises an elongate rectangular strip 20with a central wing structure 21 which is folded over through 180° atthe narrow neck part 22 to stiffen the front part of the collar.

[0056] This collar former 17 fits within the shirt collar with the shirton the shirt frame of FIG. 3. The collar former 17 itself may fit withina generally triangular bag (not shown) made from flexible fabric orplastics sheeting having a zipped top flap, with the main strip 20within the bag and the wing structure 21 protruding out of the bagthrough an opening.

[0057] This bag provides packing space for underpants or other smallgarments.

[0058] The wings 21 are tucked under the collar at the front and thenthe triangular part of the former 17 (within the bag) is dropped intothe neck of the shirt within and in contact with the collar.

[0059]FIG. 5 shows a modified version of the collar support which can beused with the packaging case of the invention. The collar support is intwo pieces 23, 24 to be joined by two studs to ensure vertical alignmentand interlocking cut-outs (e.g., tabs and slots) are provided to jointhe ends of the main support 23.

[0060] Additional bags, containers, pockets may be provided in or on thecase as desired for storage of different articles. For example thebottom wall of the case may incorporate an internal pocket e.g. forhandkerchief. The internal bag within the shirt collar may have aninternal pocket e.g. for cuff links.

[0061]FIG. 6 shows in exploded view an alternate bag (personal bag) tofit and protect the collar.

[0062] Firstly the collar is supported by a strong springy length 30 ofpolypropylene or similar plastic. That does not completely extend aroundthe side wall, and there is a separate inserted rear panel 31. Thisallows the bag to be squeezed from the sides and so allow the bag to beinserted into collar sizes smaller than the personal bag. Once the sidepressure is released on the bag then the natural springiness of theplastic wall pushes the side outwards to fit snugly inside the shirtcollar. The bag has a lined top cover 32 fastened by a zip 33 to thelined body 34 of the bag. Secondly the separate hinged collar support 35is placed under the front section of the collar prior to inserting thepersonal bag inside the collar. It prevents the important front part ofthe collar collapsing especially when the collar sizes are larger thanthe size of the personal bag. A further advantage of this is that thethicker springy plastic in the side wall allows the package to withstandmuch greater vertical (transverse) pressure on the collar without itbeing crushed.

[0063] Accompanying FIG. 7 shows an optional addition to the packagingcase in the form of a toiletries bag which releasably attaches e.g. bypress studs or Velcro etc. on the reduced height part of the steppedcase. This may have internal compartments.

[0064] Instead of using an inserted or attached reinforcing structure,stepped rigidity may also be derived from the use of a sheet materialwhich in itself has a requisite rigid nature. Also, part or all of thematerial used for the case may be transparent.

[0065] Thus, the case may be formed from transparent plastics sheetmaterial of a semi-rigid (i.e. flexible but self-supporting) naturewhich is folded and seamed (e.g. by high frequency welding), with a topor rear flap e.g. fixed with press studs.

[0066] This embodiment may be used as a replacement for traditionaldisplay packaging for a new shirt, and the purchaser of such a packagedshirt can re-use the packaging as a shirt case. The packaging wouldcontain a collar support, but not necessarily any supplementarycontainer or bag or pocket whereby the case can be made as a simplerelatively inexpensive structure.

[0067] Where the case is formed from non-transparent material there maybe a rear window of transparent material or which is an opening toreveal the packaged shirt.

[0068] When the case is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, e.g. astrong plastics sheet material such as ABS or polypropylene material,there may be a hinged lid to provide access at the top. The lid may behinged at the top end of the case, or elsewhere as desired and the lidmay be retained closed in any suitable manner, e.g. by means of a flapwhich tucks in or overlaps and is fixed by Velcro or press studs, orotherwise.

[0069] The additional bag where provided may be formed from rigid orsemi-rigid sheet material as mentioned above and may also have a hingedlid which may be retained closed in like manner to the abovementionedlid of the case.

[0070] The additional bag is preferably shaped to conform closely to theshape of the ‘step’ of the case. Thus, for example, the arrangement maybe such that the case with attached bag forms a rectangular (orgenerally rectangular) box structure.

[0071] The additional bag may be permanently or releasably attached tothe case. In one embodiment the bag and the case are formed integrally,e.g. being defined by a two-compartment box structure.

[0072] The various possibilities mentioned above in relation to a caseformed from rigid or semi-rigid material may also be applied, asappropriate to a case formed from flexible material as described in thefirst mentioned co-pending application. For example, a flexible materialcase may have a flexible or rigid or semi-rigid lid which is retainedclosed by an overlapping flap attached by Velcro or other fastener tothe adjacent surface of the case.

[0073] A case and/or additional bag according to the invention may beformed from any suitable flexible, rigid or semi-rigid material orcombination thereof.

[0074] The single case, or the single case with its attached toiletriesbag or a combination of two cases inverted and clipped on each other maybe carried externally as combined packages by means of handles or ofshoulder straps attached to the clipped combination.

[0075] The case made from a rigid or semi-rigid strong, self-supportingsheet plastics material, e.g. ABS or polypropylene which may be madefrom one piece folded and welded or bonded, or otherwise fixed together,or from a plurality of pieces bonded or welded or otherwise fixedtogether. The case has a top hinged lid with a tuck-in flap. The lid ishinged at the top end of the case but it could be hinged at the oppositeedge of the lid or at a side edge. The flap may overlap the adjacentouter inclined surface of the case instead of being tucked in and Velcroor magnetic or press stud or other fastener may be used to retain theflap. Alternatively zips may be used.

[0076]FIG. 7 shows the case with an additional toiletries bag which canbe releasably fastened in the ‘step’ of the case as mentioned above. Thebag is shaped so that with the case a rectangular structure is formed.The bag may be formed in like manner to the case and may have a lid witha tuck-in or overlapped flap. The lid may be hinged otherwise than atthe edge shown.

[0077]FIG. 8 shows an integrated case and additional bag defined by atwo-compartment box structure. The structure may be formed from a rigidor semi-rigid sheet material as mentioned above or from any othermaterial or combination of materials including the soft coveringmaterials and stiffer materials already mentioned. The lid may be hingedotherwise than as shown.

[0078]FIG. 9 shows a case made from any suitable material or combinationof materials with a lid with an overlapping flap which can be retainedby Velcro or magnetic studs or press studs or otherwise. This may beused with an additional bag as shown in FIG. 7 so that the flap thenoverlaps and is retained on the top surface of the bag. This arrangementmay be more suitable for use with a rigid or semi-rigid case structure.

[0079] In this situation where the combined or integral cases are usedas external luggage, provision may be made for external pockets to beadded to carry tickets, passports, wallets etc. along with the carryingstraps or handles.

[0080] With the arrangement described a shirt and other small garmentssufficient for an overnight change of clothing are conveniently packagedand protected against crushing or creasing even if the case is carriedwith a tightly packed brief case or flexible hand luggage. This isbecause the vulnerable collar region of the shirt is protected by thetransverse rigidity between the top and bottom walls of the case due tothe rigidity of the side walls 9 and/or the tab section 13 of the shirtframe 11 and/or the collar former 17.

[0081] The shirt is held tightly in its folded position, and isprotected against ‘vertical’ collapse (i.e. between the top and bottomwalls) due to the fact that the shirt is held tightly in positionbetween the edges of the shirt frame 11 and the closely adjacent wallsof the outer bag structure and also due to the packing and supportaction of the collar former 17, the secure locating action of the tabsection 13 of the shirt frame, and the abovementioned transverserigidity.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, two cases, respectively containing twochanges of clothing, can be conveniently packed in stacked conformationwith one case turned over, and rotated through 180° relative to theother. The higher stepped end of one case therefore fits against thelower stepped end of the other case giving an overall generallyrectangular pack.

[0083] The cases may be held together by links 25 which are fastened tothe lower height ends 7 of the cases and snap fit into connectors on theother ends 8.

[0084] Provision may also be made (e.g. by snap-fit male & female studs27) to hold cases side-by-side.

[0085] It is of course to be understood that the invention is notintended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments whichare described by way of example only.

[0086] As mentioned, if desired the bottom and/or top walls of the bagstructure may be wholly or partially stiffened by incorporation ofsuitable stiff or rigid or semi-rigid sheet material, or by formationfrom such materials.

[0087] The case may be made from thin polypropylene sheeting using a diecut process.

[0088] The case may be used for purposes other than overnight travel orpackaging of new shirts e.g. it may be used in laundries to packagecleaned shirts.

[0089] Instead of using an angular stepped case it may be curvedstepped, or curved or inclined without steps. The bag may have sidesupports for rigidity along the two long side edges but may otherwise beflexible. Other rigidity is derived from the shirt frame which in thiscase means that the outer case, which can be formed from tough nylon orcanvas or leather or other such flexible materials, can be foldedlongitudinally.

[0090] It is also possible to rely on rigidity of the shirt frame,collar former and collar support alone to protect the folded shirt inwhich case there may only be the requirement to have a pocket in a caseor a simple flexible bag without any form of stiffness to enclose thepacked shirt, especially if it fits closely to the packed shirt.

[0091] The frame may have holes or recesses for the shirt buttons. Thesemay be elongated and/or enlarged to accommodate different button sizesand positions.

[0092] Multiple shirts can be packaged in multiple cases formedintegrally and/or adapted to be removably attached side-by-side and/orone on top of the other.

[0093] Two pairs of cases each having a top end access opening with aclosure flap are linked by a flexible hinge so that the pairs can befolded over on top of each other and held together by studs orotherwise. Carrying handles or the like may be provided for the foldedover assembly.

[0094] In this case, in addition to the possibility of an angular (orcurved) stepped shape, the cases may be wedge-shaped with a sloping topsurface made from soft or stiff material, or soft moulded plastics orother material. The top surfaces and/or other surfaces of the cases maybe wholly or partially transparent.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 10 & 11, a folded-over assembly, may have anouter bag arrangement defined by projecting flaps which interconnectwith zips or other closures. In this case the side flaps may incorporatestiffeners to impart rigidity. Since the shirts will be protected whenthe assembly is folded over by the outwardly facing bottom surfaces ofthe cases, it is possible to omit the stiffeners altogether and rely onthe shirt frames.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 12, a multi-case assembly may be arranged to behung up in opened out form e.g. in a wardrobe.

[0097] A folded sheet (e.g. cardboard) or a wire (or plastic) frame sockframe may be provided.

[0098] An inner bag for personal items can be located within a collar,e.g. a cardboard collar, which is slotted or otherwise fitted over thecollar tab of the shirt frame.

[0099] The case or combination of cases may have a handle or the like sothat it can be carried as a separate item.

[0100] The case construction of the invention may be used to formmultiple storage compartments in suit cases fitting easily togetherside-by-side and/or on top of each other.

[0101] The invention is particularly suitable for use with a shirt. Itmay however also be used with a blouse or other garment or any othersuitable textile or other foldable article.

[0102] Instead of using plastics materials for reinforcement it ispossible to use cardboard or any other suitable material.

What is claimed:
 1. A packaging case comprising: an outer bag structuredefining an operable storage container having top and bottom walls andan opening with a closure flap thereto; a reinforcing structureproviding transverse rigidity between said walls, said transverserigidity between said walls extending over a greater height between thewalls at one end region of the storage container relative to an oppositeend region thereof; and said opening is provided at said one end region.2. The packaging case as recited in claim 1, wherein said case comprisesa frame having a flat panel which fits within the case over the bottomwall and around which an article can be folded.
 3. A packaging casecomprising: an outer bag structure formed from flexible materialdefining an operable storage container having top and bottom wallsthereto, an integral reinforcing structure providing transverse rigiditybetween said walls, said transverse rigidity between said wallsextending over a greater height between the walls, at one end region ofthe storage container relative to an opposite end region thereof.
 4. Apackaging case for a shirt comprising: an outer bag structure formedfrom flexible material defining a storage container having top andbottom walls; an opening in said top wall with a closure flap thereto atone end region of the container; a reinforcing structure providingtransverse rigidity between said top and bottom walls; said reinforcingstructure comprises transverse edge walls which are of greater height atsaid one end region than at an opposite end region of said container,whereby transverse rigidity between said top and bottom walls extendsover a greater height at said one end region relative to said oppositeend region; a frame comprising a flat panel which fits within thecontainer over said bottom wall and around which a shirt can be folded.5. The packaging case as recited in claim 4, wherein said case comprisesa supplementary storage compartment, said compartment being arranged atthe said opposite end region of the case.
 6. A packaging casecomprising: an outer bag structure defining an operable storagecontainer having top and bottom walls thereto; a reinforcing structureproviding transverse rigidity between said walls, said transverserigidity between said walls extending over a greater height between thewalls, at one end region of the storage container relative to anopposite end region thereof; and said case includes a supplementarycontainer for small garments arranged to fit within the confines of ashirt collar within the case to support said collar.
 7. The packagingcase as recited in claim 6, wherein said case comprises a supplementarystorage compartment, said storage compartment being arranged at the saidopposite end region of the case.
 8. The packaging case as recited inclaim 6, wherein said supplementary storage compartment is detachablymounted externally on the top wall of the case.
 9. A method of packaginga shirt using a case comprising the steps of: providing an outer bagstructure defining an openable storage container having a top wall and abottom wall; providing transverse rigidity between said top wall andsaid bottom wall with a reinforcing structure; extending said transverserigidity between said top wall and said bottom wall over a greaterheight at one end region of the storage container relative to anopposite end region thereof; and fitting within the case a frame havinga flat panel which fits over the bottom wall and around which an articlecan be folded.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9 further comprisingthe step of folding said shirt and inserting said shirt into said casewith a collar of said shirt at said one end region and the remainder ofsaid shirt extending towards an opposite end region.
 11. A method ofpackaging a shirt using a case comprising the steps of: forming an outerbag structure from flexible material defining a storage container havinga top wall and a bottom wall; providing an opening in said top wallhaving a closure flap at one end region of said container; providingtransverse rigidity between said top wall and said bottom wall with areinforcing structure which comprises transverse edge walls which are ofgreater height at said one end region than at an opposite end region ofsaid container; extending said transverse rigidity between the top walland the bottom wall over a greater height at said one end regionrelative to said opposite end region; and providing a frame whichincludes a flap panel which fits within said container over said bottomwall and around which a shirt can be folded.
 12. A frame for use in apackaging case comprising first and second flat panels joined by a hingewhereby the panels can be bent or pivoted about said hinge to lie one ontop of the other with an article folded around the panels, wherein saidhinge is arranged to bend or pivot to form a curved transition betweensaid panels.
 13. The frame as recited in claim 12, wherein said hinge isdefined by a strip with multiple side by side lines of weakness.
 14. Theframe as recited in claim 12, wherein said panels and said strip areformed integrally in one piece.
 15. The frame as recited in claim 12,wherein said frame is used with a shirt.
 16. The frame as recited inclaim 12, wherein said frame comprises an upstanding tab at a top end ofa top one of said panels for engagement with said shirt collar.
 17. Theframe as recited in claim 12, wherein said frame comprises an upstandingtab engageable with a collar reinforcement.
 18. The frame as recited inclaim 12, wherein one of said panels is an upper panel having free sideswith edges, said edges are transversely connected to the hinge, saidhinge being coextensive to the upper panel between the edges.